Argan

The argan tree (Argania spinosa, now classified as Sideroxylon spinosum) is a resilient evergreen species native to semi-desert regions of southwestern Morocco and parts of Algeria. It thrives in harsh conditions like poor calcareous soils, extreme heat over 50°C, and low rainfall of 100-200mm annually, thanks to its deep roots that prevent erosion and combat desertification

 

Key Characteristics:

Argan trees grow 8-12 meters tall with thorny, gnarled trunks, wide-spreading crowns up to 70m in circumference, and small oval leathery leaves. They produce yellowish plum-sized fruits every two years (if not too dry), enclosing hard nuts with 2-3 oil-rich seeds used for argan oil extraction. 

Lifespan reaches 150-400 years, making them a UNESCO-protected "Tree of Life" for Berber communities.

How to use:

Argan oil can be used on hair, skin, nails, and even in food if it is the edible, cold‑pressed culinary type. 

For hair: As leave‑in: On damp or dry hair, warm 1–3 drops between your hands and apply mainly to mid‑lengths and ends to add shine, reduce frizz, and protect from heat. 

As hair mask: Apply a generous amount from roots to ends, massage scalp, leave 30–60 minutes or overnight under a towel or cap, then shampoo out. 

Scalp care: Massage a few drops directly into the scalp 5–10 minutes to help dryness and flakiness, then wash if your hair gets easily greasy. 

For face and body: Daily moisturizer: On clean, slightly damp skin, use 1–2 drops for the face and a few more for the body; it absorbs quickly and supports barrier repair and elasticity. 

Masks and treatments: Mix a small amount with honey, or avocado for hydrating or anti‑aging masks, leave 10–30 minutes, then rinse.

Spot care: Dab a tiny drop on dry patches, fine lines, or after sun exposure to soothe and soften. For nails, lips, and rough areas

Nails & cuticles: Massage a drop into each nail and cuticle to improve flexibility and reduce brittleness. 

Lips: Use a drop directly as a lip oil or mix with a bit of sugar for a gentle scrub. Heels & elbows: Apply generously to dry, cracked areas at night and cover with socks or clothing to enhance absorption. For cooking (culinary argan oil only)Use only labeled “culinary” argan oil; cosmetic argan oil is not for eating.

Drizzle over salads, couscous, grains, or use in dips; it has a nutty flavor and provides healthy fats and vitamin E, so use it raw or at low heat rather than for high‑heat frying.

Safety tips:

Start with very small amounts, especially on fine/oily hair or acne‑prone skin, and increase slowly as needed. 

Choose pure, 100% argan oil (preferably cold‑pressed) and patch‑test on a small skin area for 24 hours if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

If you tell more about your goal (hair type, skin type, or if you want it mainly for culinary use), a more tailored routine can be outlined.

 

Planting Guide:

Plant argan seeds or saplings in well-drained, sandy or limestone soil in full sun, mimicking Morocco's Souss Valley. Water sparingly after establishment—mature trees need minimal care and resist drought but avoid cold below freezing or waterlogged areas. It takes over 50 years for fruit production, so efforts focus on reforestation for sustainability.

Uses and Benefits: 

Argan oil from roasted seeds nourishes skin, hair, and cooking with its antioxidants and nutty flavor. Fruits and leaves feed livestock like goats, which famously climb trees, while wood serves fuel or tools..

 For wellness enthusiasts, its superfood status aligns with organic, sustainable living a traditional oil from Morocco used both on the skin/hair and as a food. 

What argan oil is:

Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), a tree that grows almost only in southwest Morocco. 

It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic) and vitamin E, which give it strong antioxidant and skin-protective effects. 

Native / traditional uses:

For centuries, Berber (Amazigh) people have used argan oil in three main ways: as an edible oil in cooking, as a cosmetic for skin and hair, and in some local medicinal practices. 

It is traditionally pressed by Berber women and has been considered a “tree of life” and “gift from God” because it supports diet, rituals, and personal care in the region. 

Main properties and benefits:

Argan oil is emollient, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and helps restore the skin barrier and elasticity. 

On skin and hair, it helps hydration, softness, and elasticity, can calm irritation, and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. 

Internal vs external use:

There are two types of argan oil: culinary (food-grade) and cosmetic. 

Culinary argan oil, when eaten in normal amounts, is associated with improved blood lipids and potential benefits for heart health, blood pressure, and metabolic diseases. 

How to use:

Cosmetic argan oil is for external use only and should not be ingested, especially when labeled by cosmetic suppliers, because it can contain non-food additives and is not produced under food-safety standards. 

Notes: People with nut allergies can sometimes react to argan oil (rash, itching, rarely anaphylaxis), so a patch test on a small area

of skin is recommended before wider use.